Tennessee Travel Destinations

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain is the perfect destination for out of the ordinary experiences and amazing natural beauty. The Lookout Mountain Attractions include three top rated, world-famous natural attractions that showcase the natural beauty of Lookout Moutain and views of the Chattanooga Valley. Create memories you'll trasure! Visit Lookout Mountain and join in on the "Lookout Mountains of fun"! Trek through Rock City's natural wonders and "See Seven States" views, tour Ruby Falls, America's deepest cave and largest underground waterfall accessible to the public, and ride the Incline Railway, the worlds steepest passenger railway.

ROCK CITY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: Since its beginnings, Rock City has continued to attract an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. Each year, more than half a million people visit the attraction to enjoy the many natural splendors that abound. Over the years, several features have been added to the original attraction, including the popular Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, the Cornerstone Station, as well as a myriad of shops and restaurants. In addition, the annual events such as Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights during the holiday season bring in guest by the droves. And the gardens Frieda so lovingly planted have also grown through the years to include more than 400 different species of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Through the years, Rock City Gardens has become a true American icon. Under the able leadership of Bill Chapin, a third-generation descendent of Garnet and Freda, Rock City's mission is to "Create Memories Worth Repeating." With its nostalgic history, as well as its continual expansion for the future, Rock City Gardens has earned its reputation as a world-class destination and promises to be for generations to come. Info: www.seerockcity.com or 800-854-0675

RUBY FALLS, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: Anticipation builds, the tempature drops, a cool freash breeze surrounds you as you are engulfed in total darkness. There is the thunderous sound of water splashing directly in front of you, and you feel an invigorating mist that until that time was not there. Suddenly, there is light, your attention which before that time was focsed directly in front of you is drawn immediately upward. You are now staring at one of the world,s most amazing phenomenons; Ruby Falls. As you stare at this massive wonder there is a feeling of total tranquility. You are overcome with joy and excitement as music fills this large domed room and the colorful light show begins. This massive stream of falling water begins changing seamlessly to deep colors of purple, red, and blue right before your eyes. You are encouraged by your tour guide to walk behind this wonder. As you work your way around you are overcome with a feeling of excitment. This excitement is quickly transformed into awe as you stand directly behind this land mark. You look above and see millions of drops of water falling from an opening over 145 feet above. The Ruby Falls experience is unlike any other that you will experience. Info: www.rubyfalls.com or 800-825-8366

INCLINE RAILWAY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: The Inclines home, Lookout Mountain, played a pivital role in the American Civil War. Union forces under the command of William Rosecrans suffered one of their greatest defeats by Confederate General Braxton Bragg's men in the shadow of Lookout Montain, at Chickamauga. The loss was so great in fact that then Major General Ulysses S. Grant was called in to take over the Union troops while Bragg's Confederate army kept an eye on their besieged opponents hiding out in Chattanooga from the top of Lookout Mountain. Grant tapped Union Generals William Sherman and Joseph Hooker to break up the Rebal siege of Chattanooga. The resulting three-day conflict that took place on the face of Lookout from the foothills to just below the top of the mountain would later be known as the "Battle Above the Clouds." Following the Civil War, more and more tourist flocked to the sites of these famous battles. However, the two-dollor, four hour buggy ride up Lookout Mountain to attactions such as Whiteside Park, the Natural Bridge and Lula Lake prevented many from enjoying the mountain's natural beauty and rich history. During the railroad boom of the 1880's a luxury hotel resort was developed on the mountaintop that was serviced by a simple narrow guage railway. However, in November of 1895, a new, broader gauge passenger railway simply known as "The Incline" opened to easily whisk residents and visitors up the steepest part of Lookout Mountain. Today, The Incline still attracts people from around the world and has literally millions of residents and tourist up and down historic Lookout Mountain. Hop aboard and enjoy a ride on "Americas Most Amazing Mile" today!

POINT PARK, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN: High atop Lookout Mountain, Point Park was built in 1905 to commemorate the "Battle Above the Clouds." The park has numerous monuments to the soldiers who died in the area. The New York Pease Memorial features a Union and Confederate soldier shaking hands. Tochs Museum, in the park, features Civil War memorabilla from the surrounding area. The Cravens House is also part of the park and can be reached by roads or trails, an interesting part of the park that is often overlooked is the intricate design of the entrance and rock wall around the park. The building was the inspiration for the insignia of the Army Corps of Engineers, who built the park.

Info: 423-821-7786

CHICKAMAUGA - CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL MILITARY PARK: Chickamuaga and Chattanooga National Military Park was officially dedicated on September 18-20 1895. The park holds 1,400 monuments and historical markers, From strategically placed observation towers placed on the Chickamauga Battlefield, Missionary Ridge, and Lookout Mountain, observers and students can comprehend the grand campaign that extended over 150 mile front and follow many tactical details of the actual battle. No other battlefield park of this quality and magnitude can be found in any other location in the world. Info: www.nps.gov/chch

THE LOST SEA: Get ready to take an unforgettable adventure, you have never seen, heard, or done anything like this before. Your Lost Sea adventure brgins with a guided tour of the caverns. This involves a 3/4 mile round trip walk on wide slopping pathways. While touring the caverns and underground lake our guides will tell of the caverns exciting and colorful history. They will also explain the fascinating geological development of the immence cavern rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave you will board a glass-bottom boat for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea, Americas Largest underground lake. We are open every day of the year for tours(except Christmas day). The tour takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. After the tour relax in Old Sweetwater Village or take a walk on our self guided nature trail! Be sure to bring your camera and be prepared for an unforgettable experience! Info: www.thelostsea.com or 423-337-6616

GRAND OLE OPRY, NASHVILLE: What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live entertainment phenomenon. Dedicated to honoring country music's rich history and dynamic present, The Grand Ole Opry showcases a mox of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. The Opry, an American icon, and Nashville's number-one attraction, is world famous for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. It's been called the "Home of American Music" and "Country's most Famous stage." Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make pilgrimages across town or around the world to the Grand Ole Opry to see the show live, millions more tune in to Opry broadcast via a mobil app, SiriusXM satelite radio, Nashvilles 650 am WSM, and on www.opry.com and www.wsmonline.com

BEALE STREET, MEMPHIS: Beale Sreets heyday was in the roaring 20's, when it took on a carnival atmosphere. The booming nightclubs, theaters, retaurants, stores, pawnshops and hot music thrived alongside gambling, drinking, prostitution, murder, and voodoo. In the early evenings boxback suits and stetson hats mingled with overalls. Young ladies sashayed down Beale Street and inside the bars, gamblers waited for an easy mark to stroll in. If the mark escaped from the dice or the cards, maybe he would fall victim to Little ORA- always ready to prove her reputation as the best pickpocket between New Orleans and St. Louis. Mybe he'd just stop over at PeeWee's and visit with the musicians, play a little pool, or secure the voodoo protection of Mary the Wonder. By mid-evening, the street would be packed. A one block walk could mean a detour around the medicine show set up in the a little hole in the wall, as much as stopping and listening to the wandering bluesmen playing for pennies and nickles. One club, The Monarch, was known as The Castle of Missing Men due to the fact that gunshot victims and dead gamblers could be easily disposed of at the undertaker sharing their back ally. Machine Gun Kelly peddled bottle whiskey from a clothes basket back before moving into the ranks of big-time crime. Numerous set a box next to the card table and slid a share of the take into it for the church down the street. There were big vaudville shows at the Palace and the Daisy, hot snoot sandwiches at the corner cafe, Memphos jug bands playing down at the park, and one block over on Gayoso, the red-light district rivaled New Orleans' Storyville. Alot has changed but the atmosphere is still alive so come on down to Beale Street and see a Memphis jug band, Memphis blues and dance the night away. Info: www.bealestreet.com

MEMPHIS RIVERBOAT CRUISES: Now boarding at the new Beale Street Landing, Authentic American Riverboat Cruises on the Mississippi River. Take a Paddlewheeler a few miles up and down the greatest river in the U.S, The "Mighty" Mississippi. This is a great way to see and learn a bit of Mississippi River history while visiting Memphis. The most popular cruise is the 90 minute sightseeing cruise, which take's visitors a step back into Tennessee history. Historical commentary gives a comprehensive and interesting narrative of past and present Mississippi River Life. Snacks and drinks are availible on board, as well as restrooms. The Evening Dinner and Music cruises are a really fun way to enjoy 2 hours cruising the historical Mississippi River. Tickets include a buffet-style meal of BBQ pulled pork, grilled marinated chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, a vegetable, and chef's choice opf desert. Complimentary iced tea and coffee are also served. Guest have access to a a cash/credit bar serving soda and spirits. Included is the most excellent house band playing a little of everything from R&B to Jazz, and of course the Blues, Special cruises are also offered as well, such as a Romantic Valintine's Day cruis, a beautiful Sunset cruise on the Saturday before Memorial Day, and an exciting fireworks cruise on the 4th of July. Info: www.memphisriverboats.net or 901-527-2628

BRISTL CAVERNS, BRISTOL: Far below the earth's surface, in the timeless beauty of Britol Caverns, a strange and exciting experience awaits you. Paved, well lighted walkways wind through the vaulted chambers and along the banks of the ancient Underground River that carved these remarkable caverns from the hard core of the earth 200 to 400 million years ago. In the frontier days, Indians used the Underground River as an attack and esape route in their raids on settlers. Stealing into the area by way of the Underground River and caverns, they swooped down on unsuspecting families, then disappeared as if swallowed up by the earth. You will be retracing the same warrior paths while exploring the vast rooms and arches, columns, and natural stone formations of varying size and kinds. These formations, millions of years old, display rich veins of minerals which give the formations beautiful colors of red, blue, grey, brown and sparkling white. Stalactites ans stalagmites, some larger than tree trunks and others smaller than straws, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Where some of these formations have grown together, massive columns have been formed reaching from the floor to the ceiling of the lofty rooms. With every view, nature's artistry is at its best and can be seen in the remarkable tumbling cascades and billowing draperies- all of solid stone. Info: www.bristolcaverns.com or 423-878-2011

TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF AVIATION, SEVIERVILLE: Airworthy Warbirds are the foundation of the aircraft collection at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation that make visiting such a special experience. The 5500 ft runway of the Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport is located just outside the hanger door, making it possible for visitors to enjoy frequent flight demonstrations. Aviation history comes to life when these perfectly restored vintage aircraft start-up the powerful engines and throttle for take-off. The Tennessee Museum of Aviation is said to be the only place in the country to house two airworthy P-47 Thunderbolts. There are less than a dozen World War II "Thunderbolts" curently flying in the world, if you are an aviation enthusiast you will agree our hanger is a must do experience. Be sure to add a stop at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation to your Smoky Mountain vacation itinerary. Info: www.tnairmuseum.com or 866-286-8738

PIGEON FORGE: Pigeon Forge is hometo about 5,000 full-time residents and a"second home" to over 11 million visitors a year who come to enjoy affordable Pigeon Forge attractions, filled with action-packed fun and family entertainment. Dozens and dozens of popular attractions, rides, amusement, theaters, museums, and gift shops line the five mile main parkway through town, all serviced by Trolleys. The city is home to the Dollywood theme park, one of the best family attractions in the South. A variety of Pigeon Forge museums are offered, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Elvis Museum, The Smokey Mountain Car Museum and Wonderworks- an upside-down interactive museum guaanteed to keep every member of the family wondering whats around the next corner. Take a step into history at the Titanic museum attraction. When you arrive, you will receive a boarding pass of a real Titanic passenger. Through the museum, you can stroll through galleries that hold millions of dollors worth of artifacts. Tou can even sit in an actual-sized lifeboat, steer the ship and touch a real iceberg! Other popular things to do in Pigeon Forge include miniture golf, bowling, go-Karts, laser tag, arcade games, thrill rides and indoor skydiving. For the extreme adventurer, there is also the Zorb, the New Zealand thrill ride only availible in Pigeon Forge! Outdoor activities in the Pigeon Forge area range from tubing and whitewater rafting to leaf peeoing and wildlife-watching to horseback riding and helicopter tours. Shopping in any of our many outlet malls, stores, and shops is a favorite pastime for all. Your Smoky Mountain experience surly must include a few shows. Pigeon Forge theaters are famous for their family-friendly entertainment that's suitable for visitors of all ages. So whats keeping you, come see what we have to offer.

GATLINBURG, YOUR MOUNTAIN GETAWAY: Gatliburg is nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America. There are three entrances into the Smokies right from downtown. Gatlinburg attracts more than eleven million visitors a year and can grow to a population of 40,000-plus on any givennight. This little town of 3,944 residents is dedicated to welcoming all of its guest with a taste of Appalachian hospitality at its best. Folks come from all over the world for vacations, outdoor adventures, family fun and memory making. Gatlinburg is one of America's great mountain resort destinations, with accommodations of every kind, dozens of local-to-national restaurants, and attractions galore- all nestled in the foothills and surrounded on three sides by the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg prides itself on its walkability amidst mountain heritage and the arts, crafts, and shops that reflect that tradition. Info: www.gatlinburg.com

THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the states of North Carolina and Tennesse, encompasses 815 square miles of which 95 percent are forested. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal resources, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of ots rmnants of souther Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of the wilderness sanctuary within its boundaries, it is one of the largest protected areas in the East. The Park is open year-round with visitor centers at Sugerlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove. Info: www.nps.gov/grsm

CADES COVE: Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, racoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorist the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area's trails. Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year round. While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife. An inexpensive self-guided tour booklet available at the entrance to the road provides a map and information about the cove. Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road until 10:00am every Saturday and Wenesday morning from early May until late September. Otherwise the road is open to motor vehcles from sunrise until sunset daily, weather permitting. Info: www.nps.gov/grsm